Nate Diaz’s CBD Oil Vape Pen – UFC 202 & USADA Investigation?

Nate Diaz Under Investigation by USADA After Using CBD Vape Pen in Post-UFC 202 Press Conference

UFC 202’s main event was one of the best fights in UFC history. However, an incident in the post-fight press conference is causing a bit of a stir.

Nate Diaz, who spent 25 minutes in the ring in a close fight with UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, spent most of his post-fight press conference vaping on a cannabidiol (CBD) pen.

When reporters asked Diaz what he was vaping, Diaz said it was CBD oil and that it “helps with the healing process and inflammation, stuff like that.”

If you just got out of a 25 minute fight with an angry Irishman, you’d think people would stop bugging you about whatever you want to ingest.

Unfortunately for Nate (who has publicly stated that he uses marijuana), the United States Anti-Doping Agency is now investigating Nate’s actions – and he could be facing a possible suspension.

You can watch Nate smoking a CBD vape pen in the video below posted by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto:

Here's Nate Diaz smoking a vape pen immediately following #UFC202. Says it's CBD oil. (vid by @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/zf113ej9Gy

— Mike Johnston (@MikeyJ_MMA) August 21, 2016

Nate’s brother, UFC fighter Nick Diaz, recently received a five year suspension after repeatedly testing positive for marijuana. That suspension was later reduced to 18 months.

Despite the penalties faced by his brother, Nate claimed that he wouldn’t stop smoking weed. He has repeatedly discussed how after training hard all day, all he wants to do is go home and smoke.

Nate, meanwhile, is one of the best lightweight fighters in the world and is famous for his cardio – so he’s clearly doing something right.

Update: USADA Officially Investigating Nate’s Post-Fight Vaping

Earlier today, the UFC confirmed that the USADA was investigating Nate’s use of the CBD oil vape pen after UFC 202.

CBD, by the way, contains traces of cannabis – although it’s not generally a significant amount.

Nevertheless, USADA doping rules consider competitors to be “in competition” for 6 hours after (and before) their fight, which includes the media scrum in the video above and the ensuing press conference.

The USADA has faced criticism for its harsh stance towards marijuana usage. They have repeatedly stated that the testing is for the fighters’ safety. Ronda Rousey recently spoke to Maxim about how if it was really for fighter safety, then fighters would also be tested for their alcohol level – which they’re not.

Meanwhile, Joe Rogan has stated that the “majority” of UFC fighters smoke weed.

In any case, Diaz could face penalties – including a suspension – if the USADA considers his CBD oil vape pen as in-competition marijuana usage.

USADA regulations mean that Diaz could face a suspension for up to one year – even if he doesn’t test positive for marijuana.

The awkward thing about this is that Nate might not even require a test to confirm the suspension. The USADA is not required to have performed a test during the 6 hours post-fight. Instead, Nate’s comments could easily be construed as admission of use.

If that sounds stupid to you, then remember that’s similar to how Mirko Cro Cop got busted.

Nate, meanwhile, believed he was in the clear because he provided a mandatory urine sample immediately after the fight.

The event also falls under the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s jurisdiction because the fight took place in Las Vegas.

Will Nate Be Suspended?

Given the attention this fight is getting, and the huge anticipation about round 3 between Nate and Conor, it’s hard to see Nate actually getting suspended for this incident.

Nevertheless, it’s not up to the UFC: it’s up to the USADA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission – neither of which care about how much money the UFC makes from their fights.

Nate’s use of a vape pen with trace amounts of cannabis would be a rough reason to be suspended. Stay tuned to find out if Nate Diaz is actually going to get suspended or if CBD oil pens are technically allowed in-competition.